Most Commonly Used Kansas Lease Agreements
The most commonly used Kansas lease agreements are a standard residential lease agreement, a commercial lease agreement, a lease to own agreement, a month-to-month agreement, a roommate agreement, and a sublease agreement.
Although the most commonly used lease agreements include the majority of the same provisions, they do have some specific differences. For example:
- A roommate agreement has the same provisions as a standard residential lease agreement. However, it also explains which areas of the rental are for the sole use of the roommate and which are considered community areas that may be used by all occupants.
- A standard residential lease agreement is generally for one year. When the lease terminates, it may renew for another year or it may convert to a month-to-month lease. However, both may require a 30 day written notice to move out at the end if either party wishes to not renew the lease.
How to Write a Kansas Lease Agreement
Kansas lease agreements must adhere with Kansas landlord-tenant laws. Otherwise, they cannot be enforced. Additionally, there are other laws that must be followed. You’ll learn more about some of those under the sections related to disclosures and security deposits.
Before signing a Kansas lease agreement, it is important to either read the terms or have the document reviewed by an attorney. Remember that the document is a legally binding agreement between you and the landlord.
A Kansas lease agreement requires:
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Names of the Parties - This includes the landlord's full name or the property management company's legal business name and the full legal name of the tenant(s).
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Property Address - This is the full physical address for the rental property, including the city, zip code, and any unit or lot number.
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Term Information - This is the type of lease agreement the parties agree to enter into. For example, a month-to-month lease or a fixed term. A fixed-term lease means that the parties agree that the tenant will hold possession of the space for a certain amount of time, usually one year. If it is a fixed lease, this section should include the date that the lease will end.
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Rental Amount - This includes the date that the lease will begin, the amount of the monthly rent, the day of the month that the rent is due, and the address where the rent may be paid.
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Late Fee - This is the fee that is due if the rent is not paid by a certain date.
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Security Deposit - This is the amount of money that must be paid in advance of the tenant taking control of the rental property. A security deposit is used to repair damages caused by the tenant.
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Initial Payment - This is the total amount of money that the tenant must pay to move into the rental. This area should include the amount of the first month's rent, the security deposit, and the total of the two numbers added together.
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Occupants - The full name of each tenant must be listed even if they are a minor or are not signing the lease for some reason. This part of a Kansas residential lease agreement establishes who will reside in the residential unit. For commercial space leases, it designates those who have permission to use the space. If the presence of additional occupants changes the price of the rent, it should be included in this section.
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Utilities - This area explains which utilities or services a tenant does not pay.
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Parking - If a parking space is reserved and there is a designated spot, the spot should be listed in this section.
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Furnishings - This section explains to tenants what they are allowed to install (such as a washing machine or dishwasher) or what they may not install. If the tenant is not allowed to bring their own appliances, that should be designated in this section.
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Notices - This section lists the names of both the landlord or property manager and tenant along with their mailing address. This contact information should be used if the parties need to send out a notice to the other party for some reason.
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Eviction - This section explains to the tenant how eviction proceedings would be carried out in the event of nonpayment or another breach of the lease terms were to occur.
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Additional Terms - This section includes any other terms that the parties agreed to that haven't been included in any other section of the lease agreement.
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Signature and Date - The document should be signed and dated by all parties.
Which Disclosures Belong in a Kansas Lease Agreement?
In the State of Kansas, lease agreements must include specific disclosures. Any person authorized by the landlord to enter the premises must be identified in the lease agreement. The lease agreement must also disclose addresses where involved parties can receive legal notices. During the first five days of tenancy, the landlord and the tenant must conduct a walk-through and itemize any pre-existing problems or necessary repairs.
The landlord must also give reasonable notice to the tenant if they plan to access the property. They must also enter the premises only during reasonable hours.
Under federal law, if a residential property was built prior to 1978, the landlord is required to disclose the potential of lead paint.
What You Need to Know About Kansas Lease Agreement Deposits
According to Kansas state law, the maximum for a security deposit is one month’s rent if the property is unfurnished and one and a half month’s rent if the property is furnished. Landlords must return the security deposit within 30 days of the end of the lease. If the landlord kept money from the deposit, they must provide a list of itemized deductions within 14 days.